Captain Ross C. Pixler '05
Nininger Award Recipient 2011
Captain Ross C. Pixler ’05 received the 6th annual West Point Association of Graduates Alexander R. Nininger Award Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, during an awards ceremony at West Point.
CPT Pixler earned the prestigious Silver Star medal as a lieutenant for his actions on October 30, 2007, in Iraq. After an enemy attack which immediately killed three of his soldiers, he ignored traumatic personal injuries and enemy fire as he controlled the situation to lead his platoon to safety.
His citation reads:
First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ross C. Pixler, United States Army, is awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15thInfantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 30 October 2007, in Iraq. While riding through Salman Pak in a convoy of three Humvees, Lieutenant Pixler’s vehicleswere attacked, instantly killing three soldiers in one vehicle and wounding Lieutenant Pixler. Reduced to two vehicles anddealing with several casualties, andalthough his men were still under intense fire, Lieutenant Pixler ignored the pain of a broken arm and ankle to dismount andgo to the radio in one of his two remaining Bradleys to coordinate close-air support and kept his platoon under control. First Lieutenant Pixler’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regardfor his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.